Intake

M-F 9am-5pm. Appointments are available upon request. To make an appointment call Intake Coordinator 954-561-3663 Ext 109 or email fyoung@poverello.org

Q: How long will my intake appointment take and what do I need to bring to the appointment?

A: Your intake will take about 30 minutes and you must bring a photo Id.

Q: If CIED determines I am eligible to receive food pantry services, why do I need to do another intake at the food pantry?

A: As part of Poverello’s intake, we will inform you of a variety of things, orient you to the food pantry, and have you sign a confidentiality agreement. You will also be issued a special food pantry number, which you will use to receive food, and a food pantry file will be created for you so we can track your food pantry use.

Q: How long will I be eligible for food pantry services?

A: 6 months. At the end of 6 months you must update your eligibility through CIED.

Q: When can I come get food?

A: The food pantry is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm

Q: I need food and I have HIV. What is the first step I need to take?

A: You must contact the Ryan White Central Intake & Eligibility Department (CIED) at 954-566-1417. Then meet with CIED. They will tell you if you are eligible to receive food pantry services.

Q: Where is CIED located and how do I contact them?

A: One of CIED locations is at Poverello’s Live Well Center, located at 2200 NE 12th Ave, Wilton Manors, one block away from Poverello.

Whether you wish to schedule an appointment at the Main Office or at the satellite office at Poverello’s Friends Fitness Center, it is necessary to schedule your appointment by calling (954) 566-1417.

Q: How do they decide if I’m eligible for food pantry services?

A: You must be HIV +. You must be a resident of Broward County. You must show proof of residency, and proof of your income. Multiple documents are needed so it’s best to call CIED at (954) 566-1417 to be sure you bring all the right documents to your appointment.

Q: Once I’m told I’m eligible for food pantry services do I just come in and get food?

A: No. You must come to the Poverello Food pantry between the hours of 9:00 am – 5:00 PM to complete an intake. During those hours you can just come as a walk in.

Q: What if I am at work or school during those hours?

A: Under special circumstances, we may have your food ready for you at alternative times or make delivery to you.

Q: What if I don’t speak English very well, or am hearing impaired? Is there someone who can help me?

A: Yes. Our staff speak several languages and arrangements can be made if you need an interpreter.

Q: If I can’t pick up my food can a friend or family member get it for me?

A: Yes, but you must send a letter from your doctor stating that you are too sick to leave the house, and you must write a note to the food pantry staff stating that your friend or family members is picking up your food.

Q: I heard that I can get a food voucher to spend at the store. Is this true?

A: Yes, but there is a limit to how many times you can get a voucher. There are also times that Poverello may run out of food vouchers.

Q: Can I buy anything I want with my food voucher?

A: No. You can only purchase food from an approved list of healthy options. The list is consistent with My Plate recommendations.

Q: How will anyone know whether or not I bought only things on the approved list?

A: In order to continue receiving services at the food pantry you must return the gift card along with a receipt showing that you bought only approved items from the list. It is extremely important that you return both the gift card and the receipt or you risk loosing the ability to receive more.

Q: What if I have a problem/conflict with someone at the pantry? What should I do?

A: Ask to speak to the food pantry manager to see if they can resolve your issue.

Q: What if I’m not happy with what the result from my complaint to the food pantry manager?

A: We have a “written grievance process” in place for when this happens. If you need help completing your grievance, someone from Poverello’s staff will help you do this and make sure your concerns/issues are heard and communicated as you want them to be.

Q: I heard that Poverello has a gym. Can I just go to the gym and work out?

A: No. You must first get a letter from your HIV doctor stating that you are healthy enough to work out. Then you must come to the food pantry and show an intake person the letter. Following that you will be asked to fill out an application. Once the application is filled out you will receive a number that you will use to sign in at the Friends Fitness Center.

Q: If I already have a food pantry number can’t I just use that number for the gym?

A: No. a special number must be issued

Q: If I don’t have HIV, can I access the food pantry?

A: It depends, are you experiencing financial trouble as a result of an illness like Cancer, Heart Disease, Diabetes, Kidney Failure or other critical/chronic condition? If so, we have a limited amount of funds to provide you with assistance. Ask our intake counselor for more details. Also, we provide community food on Mondays as we receive it from Feeding South Florida. We can’t say from week to week what we’ll receive, but you’re welcome to become a client and take what you need from that market on Mondays.